The Leader of the National Consultative Front, Professor Pat Utomi, has revealed ongoing efforts to form a formidable coalition aimed at unseating the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general elections, describing the move as a serious undertaking.
Utomi, a key figure in the opposition movement, stated that several disillusioned members of both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party were eager to join the coalition, in addition to members from five other political parties.
According to The PUNCH, he emphasised that a significant number of members from the APC, PDP, and other parties had expressed willingness to align with the coalition to rescue Nigeria from its current challenges.
He explained that while discussions were ongoing regarding the specific political platform to be used in 2027, several political movements and parties were already committed to the alliance.
“This is serious business. Nigeria is on the brink at a time of a changing global order,” Utomi said.
“The approach we now take is to focus on core influence groups within parties.
“In this regard, there are good people who subscribe to our values and development strategy in APC and PDP who have significant following and believe there is a better way and have reached out to us.
“The Social Democratic Party that you have referred to is a work in progress. About five other parties are going through similar processes.
“Also bear in mind that huge numbers are getting ready to leave the APC and PDP and have been reaching out. But the core must be firmly fixed.”
When asked how the coalition plans to manage the various interests of those joining, Utomi said the priority was self-sacrifice and ensuring that party leadership operates collectively, with decisions made through consensus.
His comments come in the wake of a recent announcement by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alongside other opposition leaders, about plans to establish a coalition aimed at removing President Bola Tinubu from power in 2027.
Among those present at the event where Atiku made the declaration were the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who was represented by Dr Yunusa Tanko; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal; former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai; former Ogun State governorship aspirant, Segun Sowunmi; former Director General of the Progressive Governors Forum, Dr Salihu Lukman; Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri; Chief Peter Ameh; and Soni Monidafe, among others.
Utomi stressed that the coalition’s objective was not just to win elections but to restore Nigeria’s political culture and demonstrate how a disciplined party should operate.
The NCFront has announced that a mega coalition will be unveiled in June, as opposition parties and dissatisfied members of the APC intensify behind-the-scenes discussions to establish a united front against the current administration.
The ongoing talks involve key stakeholders from both the North and South, including opposition party leaders, defectors from the APC, and civil society groups.
According to opposition figures, political leaders from the North have shown particular interest in the coalition, arguing that President Tinubu’s policies have disproportionately affected their region.
Utomi further stated that the coalition plans to implement a government of national unity, dedicated to advancing the collective good in a democratic, transparent, and people-focused manner.
“It needs a national unity government focused on a developmental state, bringing progress to every nook and cranny of Nigeria—not egotists and narcissists looking for state capture to burnish bloated personal accounts around the world while their country slides into the economic abyss.
“Another point is that leadership of the new order must be collective. No more of the Buhari or ‘Baba sope’ approach that got in the way of a collective good goal in the past iterations of rescue missions. Decisions must be made collectively. We will not be victims of groupthink anymore.
“A collective shadow team will be active shortly, and where necessary, we will turn to people power to reset the agenda of our country.”
Highlighting the coalition’s goals, Utomi stated, “It is to make democracy work for the people and to ensure a government with a people-centred focus accelerates constitutional reforms for a better working Nigeria.
“It also aims to redeem the collapse of culture in Nigeria as well as showing by example how a disciplined political party acts, especially in how more capable and values-driven people are recruited into public life.”
He added, “The change we deserve is about a core of people who are a self-sacrificing group focused on disciplined organisation to move the apparatus of cooperation and state authority.
“It is also to advance the common good in an atmosphere of freedom that is democratic, transparent, and people-centred because touts and criminals abound in many parties and will take money from those in power to simulate the appearance of crisis.”
